Damart Rugged Mobile Computer Case Study
12 February 2024
Damart Rugged Device Case Study
Established in 1967 in
Bingley, West Yorkshire, Damart originated in France with the Despature
brothers' idea of thermal underwear in the early 1950s. The Mail Order
catalogue, introduced in 1953, persists alongside the Damart website.
Damartex LTD has evolved,
expanding from Thermal Underwear and Nightwear to include Ready to Wear,
Footwear, and Household products for the Senior market. The Damartex Group continues to support the business's international
growth as Damart embraces new sustainable fabrics and manufacturing methods.
The Business Need for Data
Capture
Damart manages both its UK and international dispatch
operations from its Distribution Centre in Steeton West Yorkshire. The business
relies on its warehouse management system (WMS) to help efficiently manage and
control the movement of stock throughout the operation. Data capture has been
in use for several years and the reliability of this system has been
fundamental in ensuring that they continue to operate effectively with minimal
operational downtime and cost to the business.
The Requirements
A key component of their warehouse management system is
their rugged mobile computing devices. Integrating with their WMS, they capture
and execute stock movements throughout key locations in the warehouse.
With system reliability key, Damart knew
they would have to invest in their rugged mobile devices to ensure a future-proof
and scalable system. As such, Damart was looking for an end-to-end
solution provider that would support them from specification through to device
integration, installation and ongoing service support.
After careful evaluation, Damart selected TouchStar as their
preferred solution provider. The decision was based on several key factors that
demonstrated TouchStar's commitment to meeting Damart's specific requirements
such as the device options and the technical support available.
The Need for Flexibility and Reliability
Damart was
looking for a flexible and user-friendly data capture solution that would
enable them to easily scan goods within different handheld and truck-based
operations. TouchStar
worked closely with Damart to ensure the devices met the scope of the project,
providing advanced scanning capability, flexible scanning and real-time
visibility.
Chris Aitken, Head of Logistics at Damart comments, “Our
TouchStar contacts worked hard to understand the requirements of our business
and relay the best options available with our business needs in mind. We chose
the TS8000 rugged handheld and TS7000 rugged truck mount to facilitate the flexibility needed between the pick
face and bulk storage function. The versatility of the devices ensured that
were able to scan larger pallet and carton labels as well as individual product
labels within the different operation areas and various functions within the
Distribution Centre.”
The TS8000 presented numerous benefits for on-site users.
Its lightweight design and connectivity with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth ensure
users stay connected wherever they are and whatever task they’re performing,
ideal for use in Damart’s Distribution Centre. Additionally, a metal alloy
chassis combined with high-impact polycarbonate ensures uninterrupted operation
even when dropped, minimizing downtime and enhancing output and workload
efficiency.
As for truck-mounted needs, the TS7000 offered a purpose-built
device with rich functionality, featuring an ergonomic and compact design. In
addition, with rugged elements like a polycarbonate plastic alloy casing and a
sealed membrane keyboard, the TS7000 is reliable no matter the environment.
Implementation
The support of TouchStar prior to
the system going live resulted in a smooth deployment. Key to the successful implementation
was the ability to successfully integrate the new TouchStar device with their
current WMS system.
Chris continues, "The service support we were given
during the testing and integration phase was great, furthermore, TouchStar were
also on hand to assist with Wi-Fi connectivity to ensure we had quick and
reliable coverage throughout our site.”
Ongoing Success
Damart serves as a demonstration of the positive impact that
a dependable and adaptable technology partnership can have on enhancing
operational efficiency in a Distribution Centre. Opting for the right provider
not only guarantees reliability and support but also instils confidence in the
effectiveness of the solution.
Chris concludes, “The team we work with are extremely
professional, knowledgeable and adapt to our needs well. Due to our positive
working relationship, it has never been too much trouble for TouchStar to come to
the site to scope out our requirements or to provide support during
installation. We have a good system in place for ongoing support service
requirements and know that any additional support or new device needs can be
met with just a phone call.”